Nurses, ProMedica reach contract agreement

Tuesday

Mar 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM

By Dan CherryDaily Telegram Staff Writer

ProMedica Bixby and Herrick hospitals announced Friday that a contract agreement was reached with the Michigan Nurses Association after nurses worked for approximately nine months through ongoing disputes.

The new contract was ratified by the MNA members in voting Wednesday.

Approximately 185 nurses at ProMedica Bixby and Herrick hospitals are represented by the Michigan Nurses Association.

Timothy Jakacki, president of ProMedica Bixby and Herrick hospitals, said in a statement he is pleased the partnership between MNA and ProMedica will continue.

“We look forward to working closely with the MNA to ensure the health and well-being of our patients and employees,” Jakacki said. “The ratification of this contract allows us the ability to focus our efforts on providing high-quality patient care in the safest possible environment.”

John Karebian, executive director of the Michigan Nurses Association, which represents the registered nurses at both hospitals, said in a statement Monday the nurses “stood their ground for months to protect their patients because ProMedica refused to work with the nurses to solve serious problems at the hospitals.”

Karebian said as part of the contract agreement, the nurses agreed to drop federal labor charges related to concerns about adequate nurse staffing and patient safety.

“While we are glad that hospital administrators promised to work collaboratively with the nurses to improve patient safety and patient care, the Michigan Nurses Association will be monitoring the situation closely to make sure ProMedica’s actions match their words,” he said.

A case investigation through the National Labor Relations Board remains open related to charges against Bixby and Herrick administrators on the use of retaliation, coercion and intimidation of nurses.

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